A judge in California has blocked US sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smartphones while the court decides on the firm’s patent dispute with Apple.

US District Judge Lucy Koh said Apple “has shown a likelihood of establishing both infringement and validity”. Earlier this week, she barred sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in the US until the case was resolved. However, she said that Apple would have to post bonds of nearly $100m (£64m) to enforce the rare pre-trial injunctions. The bonds serve to secure payment of damages sustained by Samsung should it win the cases.

Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, said it was “disappointed” by Friday’s decision: “We will take all available measures, including legal action, to ensure the Galaxy Nexus remains available to consumers,” it said in a statement.

California-based Apple and Samsung are involved in a variety of legal cases in various countries across the globe amid claims and counter claims of patent infringement. While Apple had accused Samsung of “blatant copying” of its design and look, the South Korean firm has alleged that Apple infringed its patents relating to the way phones and tablet PCs connect to the internet.

Apple and Samsung are two of the biggest manufacturers of tablet PCs and smartphones in the world. Analysts said that given the growth potential, the two firms were using every possible tactic to ensure that they capture a bigger share of the market.

What is your opinion about the Nexus being banned in the U.S.? Which brand do you prefer — Apple or Samsung?